A crisis is brewing in Texas, where I live. Rural areas of Texas already feel the pinch, but women all over the state will soon feel the effects of dwindling OB-GYN services. There are multiple factors contributing to this coming catastrophe, but most could be avoided if the Texas legislature were to prioritize the healthContinue reading “Maternal Deaths … Collateral Damage?”
Author Archives: Janice Airhart
Children of Teen Moms: The Risks
In my last newsletter, “Sixteen and Pregnant,” I explained some of the challenges faced by teen moms with their health, economic status, educational attainment, and employment opportunities. Unfortunately, the children may suffer even greater consequences than their mothers. Here’s a roundup of potential consequences to the children of teen moms, according to Youth.gov, culled fromContinue reading “Children of Teen Moms: The Risks”
Treasure Chested
Several years ago, a colleague and I were setting up a display table for a student event at the community college where we both worked. As I was adjusting the retractable banner featuring the college’s biotechnology program, Mona reached into her blouse to retrieve her cell phone from her bra. Is there room in thereContinue reading “Treasure Chested”
Sixteen and Pregnant … Roadblocks Ahead
“My dad told me having this baby was my punishment for having sex,” a student in my biology class once told me. I was startled for a moment but finally said, “Please don’t ever think of your baby as a punishment.” I was angry that her father would tell her such a thing. Learning yourContinue reading “Sixteen and Pregnant … Roadblocks Ahead”
Teen Girls and Contraception
According to the American Society for Positive Care of Children, the chances of a teen girl becoming pregnant is 90 percent within a year of being sexually active, if she’s not using birth control. The Guttmacher Institute in 2021 estimated that figure at 85 percent for all US couples who don’t use birth control. TheContinue reading “Teen Girls and Contraception”
Poverty and Pregnant Teens
I’ll be honest. The last week has been hard. I had some projects scheduled for this week, but I haven’t been able to focus. I’m so saddened by the election results I could cry … and I have. One of the reasons I dread the upcoming administration is because I fear for those who areContinue reading “Poverty and Pregnant Teens”
We All Do Better…When Women Do Better
Unfortunately, this truth is often rejected in cultures dominated by men, cultures which make up most of the world. The evidence is there, however. Denying it won’t make it untrue. The only logical conclusion is that for those men to whom power and control are the higher values, it doesn’t really matter if we allContinue reading “We All Do Better…When Women Do Better”
Dropping Out Pregnant
In my recent memoir manuscript, I claim that teen pregnancy is a primary reason girls drop out of high school. It’s something I just “know” but I can’t recall where I heard it. In the process of revising the book for an academic audience, I spent hours online this week to find a source. AsContinue reading “Dropping Out Pregnant”
Diplomas and Pregnant Teens
I’ve been doing some research into issues surrounding teen pregnancy recently. I did research a couple of years ago when drafting my memoir, Subject to Change, about teaching science to teen moms. At the time, I didn’t collect specific information from most of the sources, but now that my book is nearing publication, I needContinue reading “Diplomas and Pregnant Teens”
Bathtub Reading
At home … or at the library Joey climbs into the white porcelain, claw-footed bathtub just inside the sunny window of his school library and sinks onto the puffy yellow and green pillows that line the bottom. “Here’s your book,” I say, as I hand him Pete the Cat and the Cool Caterpillar and openContinue reading “Bathtub Reading”
Janice Airhart 